The Winn Parish Police Jury is reaching out to the public to bring in wallet-sized photos of their soldiers to be placed on a special Patriot Tree in the Courthouse.

The Police Jury maintains a theme-appropriate tree in the foyer of the Courthouse throughout the year.   A rotating theme could be Christmas or Easter or fall or whatever the time of the season dictates.  As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the tree is already festooned in patriotic colors.

The Jury is asking residents to bring photos to their office of military service men and women, both past and present, to be honored or remembered for their service to our country.  

“Please put the name and branch of service of the honored patriot on the back of the photo,” says secretary/treasurer Karen Tyler.  “Our office will provide a frame and include the name and service information on the decoration that we’ll place on the Patriot Tree.  So many have served our country through the years and we hope to place many photos on the tree.”

The Patriot Tree will continue its photo display through Labor Day.  The Police Jury Office is located on the main floor of the Courthouse, to the left as you enter the front doors.  For additional information, call 318-628-5824.  If you are unable to come to the Courthouse, photos may be emailed to pj2admin@wppj.net.

The Winnfield City Council approved several changes of status with personnel at the Police Department during its May 13 meeting.

Those requests were presented in Public Safety Committee session immediately prior to the regular meeting and that committee recommended approval.

Included was moving Dillion Goods from part-time jailer to full-time jailer as well as accepting the resignations of Michael Slayton as full-time jailer (April 10) and Robert Strother as full-time jailer (April 20).

They also agreed to remove Deontrey Means from Provisional Sergeant status to confirmed Police Officer.  As well, they removed Ashley Carpenter from Provisional Sergeant status to confirmed Police Officer.

Council action showed Brian Glenn removed from Provisional Lieutenant to Provisional Police Sergeant then rehired (May 13) from Police Lieutenant to Provisional Sergeant.

“Landowners here in our piney woods region come out best if they use a professional forester when it comes to sale of their timber or property,” believes Glenn Austin who made a 36-year career helping forest landowners and farmers manage their properties through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Glenn now assists landowners through Forestland Associates where, with managing member Kevin Dougherty, they boast 70 years of experience in forestry, real estate, and land management experience.  “If folks around here decide to sell, whether land or timber, I’d like to be able to help them myself instead of them calling some ‘800’ number.  I know this area and I know this industry,” he says.

He notes there are “all sorts of ways” to sell timber or the land on which it grows.  There’s the do-it-yourself option.  Or a blind response to an offer that comes by mail or just shows up.  “But that’s not the way to go,” urges Glenn.  “A professional forester will not only get the best value for your timber, he’ll also be able to assist with management of your land for recreation, wildlife and timber income for future generations.”

A lifelong resident of Winn Parish, Glenn has “deep roots” in the business of land management.  His grandfather owned a sawmill in the small community of Tannehill which sparked his interest in the forest industry.  While working for the NRCS he was a Certified Level III Conservation Planner and District Conservationist for Northwest Louisiana serving 7 parishes. 

“My family has forestlands of our own,” Glenn emphasizes.  “It’s vital that we know the timber market and how to get the most out of a timber sale.  But we’re more than sales.  With my background, we can provide real help in reforestation assistance, real estate sales, and timber sales.    We can also assist clients through the red tape of cost-share funding available through federal and state programs.”

On the real estate side, Glenn is a Louisiana Licensed Real Estate Agent and observes, “I cringe when I see a ‘Land for Sale’ sign up with the name of an agent three hours away.  I’m right here and I can help.” 

If you’re considering a land sale or a timber sale with a view of the real benefits of long-term management, Glenn invites you to give him a call at 318-792-0527.  “I’ve loved working with people throughout my career and want to continue helping folks in this field that I know so well.”

Glenn Austin, Consulting Forester & Real Estate Agent                                                       

Phone:   318-792-0527 austinglenn35@yahoo.com

Saturday marked the fifth annual Flea Market, with its second annual rifle competition, at Wattsville Center just north of Calvin and organizer Ken Bates called it “a good day for the community.  All other the proceeds will go towards our Veterans Memorial.  That’s what this is all about.”

The weather cooperated as local folks gathered on the center’s front porch for coffee and conversation, vendor set up booths in the parking area around the store and youngsters enjoyed the company of each other.  Across the road, the sounds of .22-caliber gunfire could be heard under the sunny sky.

Bates had previously told the Journal that his desire of building the store in the first place was to provide a comfortable place for folks of the community to gather, visit, have a cup of coffee and just relax.  It’s a convenience store with a small museum in the back and on Saturday, it proved to be what Bates pictured:  a community meeting site.

The rifle competition drew 41 competitors this year, 14 of them youth, 27 adult.  Champion Shooter in the younger division was Preston Gilcrease (who was also Champion Bullseye Shooter), with Austin Caskey second and Deken Babers third. Among the adults, Kelly Fannin was Champion Shooter (and Champion Bullseye Shooter), wih Jamie Carter second and Caleb Babers third.  The event was 18 rounds of open-sight .22 rifle fire, in both standing and bench-rest positions.

Fundraising efforts also included sales of pulled pork lunches and a gun raffle.  Winners were Helen White, Ricky Blake and Junior Box.  The Veterans Memorial which is at the heart of the fundraising is located next to the Bethlehem Cemetery.  “It is almost complete,” Bates explained.  “We need the last three panels with veterans’ names and hope to have that done by Veterans Day this November.”

Speakers for Kiwanis on Tuesday, May 20, were Troy Rogers and Gary Foster from the Masonic Lodge. 

Troy Rogers gave a little history of the Lodge. It is the oldest continuous organization in Winn Parish having begun in 1857. One familiar name to the group was Eugene Love who was a Mason and wrote several books about Masonry. 

Miranda Atkins read a poem titled “I Remember” written by Susan Winters whose son is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Then Gary Foster explained “The Vacant Chair.” In the Lodge you progress through the chairs until you are Mason of the Lodge. In researching Memorial Day and the Masons, he came across a closed ceremony in another state where they brought in an empty chair, said a few words and left. He decided to elaborate on this idea and added music bringing in the empty chair to “Amazing Grace.” 

Then they added reenactment soldiers. Then they added the apron which is the highest honor a mason can have. The soldiers from the past reenactment is symbolic. This program is to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives and the ones left behind. He told stories of people who have been touched by the program because it gave them closure and they felt like their loved ones were honored. 

The Memorial Day Vacant Chair program is open to the public. Last year around 120 persons attended.

The program is on Monday, May 26, Memorial Day at the Lodge at 106 North Beville Street in Winnfield. They serve a meal at 6 p.m. and the ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Winnfield alumni have just two weeks (June 14) to return their registration for the 2025 WHS/WSHS alumni reunion which is slated for Saturday, June 28.

Those needing a registration form should call or text 318-628-0540. The coffee is Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Winnfield Senior High School activity room.  There is no charge for the coffee, but planners need a head count for the caterer.   

The banquet will be that evening at the Civic Center located on the fairgrounds with a meet and greet from 5 to 6 p.m. and the banquet itself starting at 6. The cost of the banquet is $20 per person and must be paid in advance. No money will be accepted at the door and no one will be admitted without paying in advance. 

The Class of 1975 has been working for a year to put on an entertaining reunion and encourage friends and alumni to, “Please make plans and join us for an enjoyable evening.
And as a reminder to the Class of 1976: make plans to meet with the standing committee at the coffee. 

They are not going to call it “Summer School” for K-5 students but “Summer Literacy Camp” instead, partly because of funding and duration, partly because of approach.  Winn Parish School Board heard about this in early (due to Memorial Day next Monday) committee session.

“It’s a big scale-back,” admitted supervisor Bridgette Bartlett.  “It’s a funding issue.”  The traditional view of Summer School is a near-mandatory program for at-risk children who might not be moving to the next grade level.  But “we really don’t hold kids back these days,” she said in response to an inquiry.

The plan is for a shorter program, said supervisor Nancy Crain.  “No so much will there be students sitting at desks in a classroom  listening to a teacher but more centered on activities.  There will be a focus on literacy.”  Additionally, the Summer Camp won’t just target low-achieving readers but all students.  With a student mix of reading skills in this setting, those who struggle will have achieving peers they can look up to.

The board heard that the plan is not a “requirement” but an “opportunity” which they hope parents will see and sign up their children.  Sessions will be housed at Winnfield Primary School with principals parishwide rotating oversight duties.

Committee discussion also led to the recommendation that hooded sweatshirts will not be allowed as part of the dress code next year.  Lacey McManus told members she has spoken with principals who support this move.  By the board taking action at its June session, it gives parents enough time to “not buy” for fall.

Discussion indicated that part of the problem is security.  Supt. Al Simmons pointed out that while the security scanning devises used at schools can detect prohibited items like cell phones, other problem materials are easily concealed in the hoods.  

The panel session also heard about an ongoing water leak problem at Dodson High School that causes problems in the parking lot.  A question for the board will be adding $19.000 to the current ball field & parking lot contract for a study of the source of that leak.

The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield continues its tradition of celebrating the “Terrific Kids,” students in the parish, by presenting to them certificates.

In a brief May session held Monday, the Winn Parish Police Jury honored the Calvin High School Lady Cougars softball team after they brought home the Class C State Championship trophy, the school’s seventh such accomplishment through the years.

The jury presented a plaque to the players and coaches during their meeting.  President Frank McLaren pointed out that this state victory is a great honor for the players and the school but it is also an honor the parish and the jury appreciates their accomplishment.

Coach Cody Martin responded that the season was “not all pretty” but the ultimate win was a testimony to the hard work and determination of the players.  “This is a great community, with great fan support,” he observed.

In business action Monday, the lawmakers adopted ad valorem tax millage rates for 2025.  Those rates, unchanged from 2024, are 3.95 for General Alimony, 1.94 for Road #1, 5.16 for Road #2, 3.03 for Library, 5.06 for Library and 3.24 for Health Unit.

They also agreed to a cooperative endeavor agreement for support of the local Veterans Affairs office in the monthly amount of $859, up from $807.  While that service is just two days a week now when it used to be five, DA Chris Nevils explained that the parish no longer has the grant that had funded those additional service days.

The parish also entered an agreement with the Capital Area Finance Authority that will allow down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and veterans in Winn.

Road Superintendent Perry Holmes gave a report indicating that the recent excessive rains have caused some setbacks in road projects but work in ongoing.

“Read to Soar” is the theme for a free weekly literacy reading workshop open to youngsters 5 and under here in Winn Parish.  “Help your child be ready to learn,” urges Kelsey Collins.

An 8-session literacy wokshop will be held weekly at the Winn Parish Shool Board office, 304 East Court Street in Winnfield from June 16 through August 4.  The two-hour sessions will be held Mondays from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

The free program will include the books, a book bag and Certificate of Participation for the children.

Red River Cowboy Church invites families to saddle up for a summer of fun, faith, and fellowship with its upcoming Summer Buckle Series, a free, family-friendly event designed for toddlers through 4th graders.

The series is part of the church’s M3 Kids ministry, which focuses on three foundational principles: My God, My Family, and Me. Through a series of interactive “Mane Events,” the church aims to help families grow closer to one another while learning about God’s love in a hands-on, engaging way.

Held every 4th Sunday from May through August, the Summer Buckle Series kicks off immediately following the church service. Families can register their children for a Horseless Rodeo, featuring activities like sheep riding, dummy roping, goat ribbon pulling, cow branding with paint, and more. Kids can participate in as many events as they like, and a free lunch will be served by the Chuck Wagon crew.

Children who attend at least three out of the four Mane Events will receive their very own cowboy buckle — a prize every young rodeo fan will treasure.

For updates and registration details, follow Red River Cowboy Church on Facebook. This summer, the church is offering more than just rodeo fun — it’s an opportunity to live life with Jesus, cowboy style.

Red River Cowboy Church
South Red River Parish
LA-174, Coushatta, LA 71019
Phone: (318) 201-2626

Your Guide to Peach Festival Weekend

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will take place on June 7, 2025, but the peach celebrations will be going all week long in Ruston, LA!  If you’re planning to spend a full weekend soaking in the sweet peachy charm of Ruston, let this guide help you make the most out of your adventure.

Friday, June 6

Eat:

From June 2-7, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach toast, cocktails, and desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available in late May on the Peach Fest website. 

See:

In celebration of the festival’s 75th anniversary, The Louisiana Peach Festival is collaborating with the Lincoln Parish Museum to present Peach Fest Through the Decades. This special exhibit will showcase memorabilia from the very first Peach Festival all the way through present day.

• Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, explore downtown Ruston to scope out the festival grounds and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!

Experience: There’s plenty to experience Friday before the festival. 

• Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 2-6. 

• • Peach Fest Hack: Grab a Peach Fest fit at the sidewalk sale to wear at the festival!

• The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will take place in Downtown Ruston on Friday, June 6, at 6PM.
• After the parade, you can head over to the 36th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family entertainment, trick riders, and more. The rodeo starts at 8PM.

Saturday, June 7 – Festival Day

Festival activities start at 9:00AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.

Eat:
This year, enjoy bites from a variety of food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi. 

• Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival.

The festival is also conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ruston, so there’s plenty of local restaurants you can walk to. 

See:

• Festival Art Displays: Discover art boards and interactive displays by local artists that will be showcased throughout festival grounds.

• Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
• Drone Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s first ever drone show at 8:45 PM! This transforming sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.

Experience: 

• Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Band of Heathens, taking the stage after the drone show.
• Kids Alley: A family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
• Curated market: The festival will have over 70 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op. 

• • Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out. Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering. 

Sunday, June 8

After a Saturday full of adventures, take it slow on Sunday. Sleep in, relax, and savor your last day in town before heading home.

Eat: 

Start your day with a delicious Sunday brunch at Trio’s. Whether you choose a cozy table indoors or enjoy the sunshine on their patio, you’re in for a wonderful dining experience. Looking for a spot closer to downtown? Try Board & Bottle’s Sunday brunch and specialty brunch cocktails.

See: 

While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.

Experience: 

Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.

From peachy treats to live tunes and everything in between, the Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 75 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories! 

To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.

The Goldonna Elementary Junior High School held its very last Teacher Appreciation Week before the school’s at the end of the 24-25 school year.

Area churches (Goldonna Baptist Church, Goldonna Assembly of God, River of Life Church and Winnfield Assembly of God Church) and local businesses came together to honor the faculty and staff with catered lunches and breakfasts during the week of teacher appreciation week.  

School Board Member, Chad Fredieu, delivered an appreciation cake on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish School Board and Board Members.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.